Locations of peptic ulcers in children.

The locations of peptic ulcers in children were studied in a total of 55 cases; 19 with gastric ulcers, 31 with duodenal ulcers and 5 with a combination of both. The male children were predominantly affected with these three types. The mean age of the children with gastric ulcers was significantly lower than those with duodenal ulcers (P less than 0.005). Gastric ulcer was markedly predominant in the antrum, and commonly present in the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach, and infrequently on the greater curvature. Ten of 24 cases (42%) had ulcerations on the anterior wall of the antrum. In seven cases, ulcerations were located on the posterior wall. Duodenal ulcers mostly occurred in the bulb. The anterior and/or posterior walls of the bulb were commonly associated with ulcerations. The present observations concerning gastric and duodenal ulcer location are essentially in agreement with results from adult studies. Perforations were demonstrated in the anterior wall or lesser curvature in both gastric and duodenal ulcers. In five of seven relapse cases, ulcerations had recurred in the same area.